BOV Division 1: Ten-man Gzira survive Gudja comeback to extend positive run

Leaders Gzira United earned the three points despite playing for over an hour in ten men as they defeated bottom-placed Gudja United 4-2 at the Centenary Stadium on Saturday.

Brooke Farrugia put Gzira ahead on the 2nd minute and Raphael Kooh Sohna doubled the score seven minutes later. Gudja were awarded a penalty on the 24th minute and Gzira had a player sent off with Didier Sohna reducing the gap for Gudja from the penalty spot. Jurgen Ciantar equalised on the 37th. The game seemed heading for a draw but the Maroons had other thoughts and two minutes from time, Ian Zammit made it 3-2 with Raphael Kooh Sohna sealing the issue with a fourth goal one minute in added time.

In another match, Zebbug Rangers practically secured their First Division status with a 4-2 win over Mqabba.

The Rangers took a three-goal lead thanks to Keith Vella on the 20th, a Godwin Mckay penalty on the 39th and a goal by Diego Fernando Pereira four minutes later. Paul Chimezie pulled one back on the 55th but Angelo Catania restored the three-goal lead on the 63rd. Brandon Grech scored a second goal for Mqabba on the 68th.

Gzira lead the way with 54 points, followed by Hamrun on 50, Senglea 41, Pietà 34, Mqabba 32, Zebbug 31, Lija 30, Vittoriosa 27, Rabat and Fgura 26, Melita 25, St. George’s 18, San Gwann 17 and Gudja 8.